Celebrating Earth Day : Caring for Patients and the Planet

Did you know that healthcare contributes to nearly 5% of global carbon emissions? 

This Earth Day, the 2026 theme-“Our Power, Our Planet”-reminds us of the role each of us plays in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future. Healthcare systems rely heavily on energy, water, and materials, and addressing their environmental impact is critical to protecting both patient health and the well-being of our communities. 

Voices Featured 

  • Susan Sallaj Ginn – Chief Planning Officer & Director 

  • Dr. Alex Astell – Intensivist 

  • Jeff Philips – Director, Support Services and Procurement 

  • Stephen Veaudry – Supervisor, Food & Clinical Nutrition Services

QCH Environmental Sustainability Resources 

A one-stop shop for all QCH environmental sustainability news and resources. Currently, the page contains our sustainability policy, the QCH energy conservation plan, learning resources for staff, and news and updates. We will continue to evolve the site over time, and it is an excellent resource for anyone curious about QCH’s environmental sustainability efforts! 

Insert button: Check out the page! 

Green Initiatives in Action 

A graphic with a teal overlay featuring a close-up of the WastePro, a food waste management system. To the right, the bold white text reads "Recycling & Composting." In the background, several plates of food sit on a cafeteria-style tray rack.

QCH waste diversion efforts include expanded recycling programs and the use of the Waste Pro “Pulper.” By reducing excess liquid from organic waste, the Waste Pro reduces landfill waste, lowers transportation emissions, and allows the remaining material to be repurposed into fertilizer. 

A single puffer has a carbon footprint equivalent to driving a car about 190 km. To reduce this impact, the ICU Sustainability Group is leading efforts to reduce the distribution of multi-dose inhalers (MDIs)—which use gas propellants that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions—and transition to lower-carbon alternatives such as nebules, which deliver medication in a more environmentally friendly way. 

The green spaces across the QCH campus offer quiet spaces for patients, staff, and visitors from the busy hospital environment. In partnership with Tree Canada, QCH is planting trees in a multi-year tree planting initiative to improve biodiversity, capture carbon, and create a greener, healing environment for the community. 

Sustainability At QCH by the Numbers 

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